Fleetwood Town manager, Graham Alexander, has been very impressed with his new club so far:
By David MitchellFleetwood Town manager, Graham Alexander, has been very impressed with his new club so far:
‘It’s been a whirlwind of a week but brilliant, nonetheless. Everyone at the club has made Chris and I welcome and we have been very impressed with the co-operation received so far.
Everyone has really tried to play their part and nothing has been too much trouble. Long may it continue because that’s the sort of team work you need to make a club successful and it’s a great environment to come in to.’
For the members of Town’s playing staff, everyone is trying to make the most of opportunities to show their worth and Wednesday’s Central League Cup match against Morecambe was a case in point. It was particularly important for two players who, for different reasons, have had fewer chances than most.
Gerard Kinsella was the eleventh summer signing after initially impressing on trial but the midfielder’s season has been on hold for the last two months following a shoulder injury so the ninety minutes against Morecambe on Wednesday was a big step forward for the 21 year-old:
‘It was tough after such a long gap but it was good to get out on the pitch again. I was happy with my game. I struggled a bit in the first half with my fitness but got a second breath and was really pleased with the second half. The manager said we needed to start playing in their half and put pressure on and it worked well. We were miles better after the break. It’s a good job we’ve got a day off tomorrow, though! I really want to show the new manager what I can do and how hard I can work. It’s important for me to get match fitness and I’m ready to push on for a place.’
Liam Wynn’s game was almost memorable for the wrong reasons as he was flattened when the ball left Damien Johnson’s boot in the second half and hit him square on in the face:
‘Yes, Damien volleyed it straight at me from about two yards. I didn’t see it coming but I know he didn’t mean it!’
Local lad Wynn was awarded a professional contract in the summer of 2011. First team opportunities have been limited but there have been loan arrangements with several north-west clubs:
‘I’m learning every day and had useful first team football at Vauxhall, Clitheroe and Kendal in the last couple of seasons. I just want to keep improving my game and hopefully more chances will come. I was happy to get a full game against Morecambe and learn from the experienced guys around me. Having Macca and Conor alongside me in defence was a big help. We’re all starting from scratch with the new manager and it’s unbelievable to see players like Damien and Barry Ferguson at the club. It’s all helpful for a young pro like me.’
The manager appreciated the chance to look at players who hadn’t started against Southend:
‘The lads who didn’t start against Morecambe trained on the pitch beforehand so, all in all, it was a very useful exercise. I was impressed with all the players, particularly in the second half. The experienced guys were helping the youngsters and the young lads involved all caught the eye.’